Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) — Question 1

In preparation for an upcoming global climate conference, organizers develop climate science training materials for business executives.
How should the training material compare anthropogenic and natural climate changes?

Answer options

• A. Human-caused warming is occurring much faster than natural warming after the last ice age.
• B. Human-induced warming currently exhibits a nonlinear relationship with global CO2 levels, whereas natural warming shows a linear relationship.
• C. Human activities slowed water vapor feedback, whereas natural climate changes do not alter water vapor balance.
• D. Human activities caused temperature changes greater than any previous natural temperature changes.

Correct answer: A

Explanation

Option A is correct because it highlights that the rate of human-induced warming is significantly faster than the warming that occurred naturally after the last ice age. Option B is incorrect because the relationship between CO2 levels and warming is not strictly linear for either human or natural influences. Option C is misleading, as both human activities and natural changes can influence water vapor feedback. Option D is also inaccurate, as while human activities have caused significant warming, it is not necessarily greater than all previous natural temperature changes.